Winter is by far the worst time of the year for your boiler to break down, so you shouldn’t ignore any issues your boiler is having, no matter how minor they may seem.
With the Christmas season associated with high expenditure on food, gifts and decorations, it’s also the worst time to have to pay for a boiler replacement.
The risks of an insufficient or faulty heating system go far beyond a cold home. Consider the risks of having a broken boiler over the holiday season and make sure you take the necessary steps to fix your boiler before the worst of the cold snap arrives.
Health risks
Prolonged exposure to cold conditions can lead to serious health issues. Cold air is associated with increased bronchoconstriction, which can lead to respiratory problems, while reduced blood supply to the heart raises the risk of heart disease.
Boiler breakdown has particularly severe implications for the elderly, with the cold potentially leading to health problems and even death.
Cold conditions can even adversely affect mental health as well. A 2006 study conducted by Shelter found that children were more likely to suffer from mental disorders like anxiety and depression when exposed to the cold.
Fit pipe lagging and keep the pressure up
When temperatures drop to extreme lows, the piping in your house may be prone to freezing. The frozen water inside the pipes can expand and put pressure on the pipe material until it bursts, costing you a fortune in repairs.
Keep your pipes insulated with some pipe lagging. Wrapping pipes in Rockwool pipe insulation keeps them warm enough to continue functioning even in the lowest temperatures.
If the water pressure for your boiler is low, it could mean that there is a leak on the premises. A good way of checking is to alter the pressure to see if it rises to an appropriate level.
Ideally, your pressure should be between one and 1.5 bar for optimal use. You can alter the pressure with the two valves that are commonly located underneath the boiler.
Perform a power flush
If you notice that your home isn’t heating up as much as you want it to, it could mean that your heating pipes have black sludge. This sludge can build up over time and make your pipes narrower or even cause them to become completely blocked.
Power flushes are ideal for cleaning up your heating system and preventing underperformance. Regular power flushing can destroy obstructions and ensure that sludge does not build up as quickly in the future.
Power Flush Wizard can perform a comprehensive clean of your entire central heating system, removing any built-up sludge and returning the boiler to peak efficiency.
To learn more about our acclaimed power flushing services and receive a quote, simply get in touch with our team today.
